Short answer. A UK degree class comes from a weighted average. A common rule is 33% for 2nd year and 67% for final year. First is 70+, 2:1 is 60 to 69, 2:2 is 50 to 59 and Third is 40 to 49.
How a UK degree class is worked out
UK universities give an honours degree in classes. Your class depends on a weighted average mark. The usual bands are:
- First class honours: 70% and above
- Upper second (2:1): 60% to 69%
- Lower second (2:2): 50% to 59%
- Third class: 40% to 49%
Year weightings
The first year usually does not count towards the class. Many universities count the second and final years only. Common splits are 33% for second year and 67% for final year, or 25% and 75%. Some universities count only the final year. A few count the first year too. Your course handbook states the rule for you.
How each year average is found
A year average is weighted by credits. A 40 credit module counts twice as much as a 20 credit module. For each module, multiply the credits by the mark. Add these up. Divide by the total credits. A full year is often 120 credits.
Then apply the year weights. Multiply the second year average by its weight. Multiply the final year average by its weight. Add the two results.
Borderline cases
Many universities review a result that is close to a boundary. The gap is often one or two marks below the line, for example 68 to 69.9 for a First. The review may look at how many credits sit in the higher band. Rules differ a lot between universities. Some round the average. Some drop your weakest module. Some use a profile of your marks instead of a mean. Always check your own regulations.
How to use the result
Use the gap to the next class to plan. If you sit 4 marks below a First, look at your remaining modules. Find the ones with the most credits. A 40 credit module with a strong mark moves the average more than a 10 credit module. Enter a mark you hope for in a module that is not yet graded. The tool shows what it would do to your class. Treat this as a forecast and not a result.
Keep your real transcript for the official figures. The calculator gives a clear estimate in seconds, but your university issues the class.
Worked example
Example. Weighting: 33% second year, 67% final year.
Second year: 40 credits at 58, 40 at 64, 20 at 66 and 20 at 60. Quality points: 2320 + 2560 + 1320 + 1200 = 7400. Credits: 120. Average: 7400 ÷ 120 = 61.67.
Final year: 40 credits at 70, 40 at 66, 20 at 72 and 20 at 65. Quality points: 2800 + 2640 + 1440 + 1300 = 8180. Average: 8180 ÷ 120 = 68.17.
Weighted: 61.67 × 0.33 + 68.17 × 0.67 = 20.35 + 45.67 = 66.0%. This is an upper second (2:1). It is 4 marks below a First.
Questions
Does first year count towards my degree class?
At most UK universities it does not. It must be passed, but the marks do not enter the average. A few universities include it. Check your handbook.
What is the most common weighting?
Many universities use 33% for second year and 67% for final year. Others use 25% and 75%, or 40% and 60%. Final year only is also common.
What counts as a borderline mark?
Often a mark within one or two points below a class boundary. Many universities then look at your other results before they decide. The rule is set by each university.
Are the boundaries the same everywhere?
The 70, 60, 50 and 40 bands are the common standard. Rounding, credit rules and extra checks differ. Your own regulations decide.
Does a dissertation count more?
It is a module like the others, with its own credits. A 40 credit dissertation counts twice as much as a 20 credit module.
Can I use this for a Scottish degree?
Scottish degrees can use a different structure and often count more years. Use this tool only if your weighting is a simple year split.
Last checked by the StudyCount team.